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Program allows imaging facilities to advance at their speed & budget from computed radiography (CR) using traditional powder imaging plates (IP's) to either the latest generation of CR using crystalline Cesium needle IP's or directly towards cassette-less based direct radiography (DR) with dose reductions of 50% and more. - It includes innovative and market-leading solutions to keep systems and technology up-to-date.

The flexible program allows healthcare organizations to take their imaging investments to the next level, for higher quality images, increased productivity and a smoother, more efficient workflow. It includes stage-by-stage guidance by Agfa HealthCare to help the facility get the most from the benefits of digital radiography, whether computed radiography (CR) or direct radiography (DR). Because all Agfa HealthCare’s digital radiography systems are equipped with the same user-interface, staff training and adaption time are reduced to a minimum.

The program also comprises software updates, including next-generation MUSICA image processing and dose management, and service and support for greater return on investment. On top, Agfa HealthCare offers financing solutions to pay for the upgrade over time, thus minimizing capital expenditures.

Dose reduction options
Options can be selected to tailor the program to provide advantages such as the potential for dose reduction, with technologies like cesium iodide (CsI) for DR and cesium bromide (CsBr) for CR. With their higher X-ray absorption and conversion efficiency, they offer a greater detective quantum efficiency (DQE), which can lead to higher-quality images and lower dose requirements, improving the optimum balance between dose and image quality. Testing with board certified Radiologists has determined that Cesium Bromide (CR) and Cesium Iodine (DR) Detectors when used with MUSICA processing can provide dose reductions of between 50 to 60% when compared to traditional Barium Floro Bromide CR systems. Contact Agfa HealthCare for more details.

“The Fast Forward DR Upgrade Program is part of our objective to ensure that every healthcare provider whatever its size and budget can benefit from the advantages of digital imaging solutions,” says Louis Kuitenbrouwer of Agfa HealthCare. “It also demonstrates our commitment to accompanying and supporting our customers throughout their digital journey, providing a pathway to their own, customized future.”

Clients report multiple benefits
Agfa HealthCare clients have already reported several benefits of fast forwarding their radiography technology. For instance, Summa Health Systems, one of the largest integrated healthcare networks in Ohio, just did a strategic upgrade of their radiography systems. That included the installation of the

DX-D Retrofit and DX-D 100 Mobile DR systems, as well as needle based DX-M systems in combination with moving up to the next generation MUSICA image processing software. “This initiative allows us to continue using existing equipment, but with key add-ons that provide a seamless transition to the digital format,” says Jeanette Doria, System Director of Imaging Services, Summa Health Systems. “This upgrade is expected to increase overall productivity, workflow and image quality.”

Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) in California also made the move to DR through the upgrade program. The unique cost structure of the program allowed LLUMC to transition its CR technologies to Agfa HealthCare’s market-leading DR technologies. “Patient engagement, comfort, and satisfaction have greatly increased as a result of our upgrade to DR,” says Aimee Gallegos, RT, Interim Manager Pediatric Radiology at LLUMC. “We see better staff efficiency and significant time saving.”

Delivering on dose reduction promises
Zwanger-Pesiri, one of the largest non-hospital based radiology practices in the U.S. today, did not really believe the stories Agfa HealthCare (agfahealthcare.com) was telling about its dose reduction capabilities and decided to set up a study to compare results. The study sought to determine if Agfa HealthCare’s DX-D 300 required les exposure and patient dose versus two other systems in use at Zwanger-Pesiri radiology. Results showed that, while the amount varied depending on the type of exam, the average dose on most exams was more than 40% lower with the Agfa HealthCare system, still providing high quality. The success of the study has led to the purchase of five more units.

“With all of the elements of Fast Forward,” concludes Kuitenbrouwer,“the aim is to give radiology departments a pathway to the future, and enable an even higher return on their digital radiography investment.”

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